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September 28, 2008 - 6:39am
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Hey dude - I have some questions for you
.
First, what is your budget? Second, what kind of components do you want? Do you want a turntable, CD/SACD/DVD-A player? iPod setup?
I think you'll find that most people buy finished speakers.
Preamp and power amps work together, with the preamp, among other things, giving you the volume control and component selection. Depending on your budget and space, there are some great integrated amplifiers (which integrate both the preamp and power amp), that are usually less expensive than separate components. Generally, separate components will sound better (but, for example, the nicest integrated amp will sound better than the cheapest separate pre/power amp).
If you get Tube amps, I understand that tubes can change the sound, but haven't messed with it myself.
Get your amp before the speakers. Other than that, what order you get everything in up to you. I prefer all at once
.
Finally, although this forum is NOT one of those forums that refuses to answer a question if it has been answered before (i.e., people on here generally aren't a-holes), you might want to glance at several of the entry-level threads for some good information.
I will be listening to cds and music files such as mp3s. Most of the music files can be put on cd if need be. I am planning on keeping the cost of the complete system, speakers, amps, cd player, cables, etc under the $10k mark. I would love to keep it under the $5k mark, but am not sure if I will be able to put a complete system together at that price. Thanks for your prompt helpful reply. I will see what I can find in the other threads too!
Hey Dude,
Judicata has covered many of your questions. The only thing that I really don't agree with is the order of the purchase. I think you should pick out your speakers first. Your speakers will dictate the amplifier choice, rather than the other way around.
Your budget will dictate to a great extent whether you're will buy separate preamp and a power amp or whether you'll buy an integrated amplifier. It's a lot easier to put together a good system on a tight budget with an integrated than with separate components.
Changing tubes does change the sound, but it doesn't necessarily make it better. It makes it different.
Let us know what your budget is and we can help you with some component choices to look into. Otherwise, our recommendations can be all over the budgetary scale and this will cause more confusion that it would solve.
I would like to create a $5k and $10K system and listen to the differences. My max budget is $10k, but I am not opposed to keeping it way under that if I can build a system that matches my ear for less.
Doh, typo.
I completely agree. I was doing something else while I was typing. I meant to say that the other way around. First speakers, then amp.
Do you mind buying used?
If there are good deals to be had on used equipment, I will consider that route as well.
Here are some systems that I think are very good for the money:
System 1:
Speakers - Magnepan 3.6R If you can live with less than ground shaking, deep bass, these offer absolutely magical midrange and highs for a small fraction of what it would cost to get that kind of performance from another speaker $3,000
Amplifier - Bryston 4b - SST great performance for the money. You can even get the ST version of this amp for less. $2,000
Preamp - Cary SLP-98L makes absolutely beautiful music. Gives warmth and velvety textures works superbly with solid state amplifiers like Bryston - $1800
CD player - Rega Saturn is a very, very musical CD player. No etching of the details, it just lets the music flow. One of my favorites. - $1500
Total: $8,300, which leaves you some money for cables and ancillaries.
There are other recommendations I can make, which I will in subsequent posts as I'm short for time now.
I couldn't agree more. Bryston is an absolutely KILLER match for Magnepan speakers. When Magnepan 3.6 or 20.1 used make sure that the ribbon guards are used during transportation and check them at arrival.
System 2:
Paradigm Studio 100 v4 - A very musical speaker that has the slam and the depth as well as the delicacy and ability to render subtle detail. It's an incredible value for the price - usually around $1700
Classe Ca 100 Good power, good value. Very warm sounding amp that delivers the juice when required. 100 wpc into 8 ohms will double into 4 ohms -$750
VTL 2.5TL is a top notch value for the money. Neutrality is the best word to describe it. Simply great - $800
Musical Fidelity A3.2 CD player is an incredible player for the money. It even upsamples to 24/96. It's a toss up between this player and Rega Planet 2000. $425
Total: about $3200, which leaves you cash to spare for cables and ancillaries.
Man, AlexO just keeps hitting them out of the park.
Take any of AlexO's advice, if you can.
I'll just say, "What AlexO said!"